Help with writing.

[valis2]

I'm inching toward writing original stuff. Slowly, very slowly, but I am. And I need your help.

I did a writing meme recently, you see, and I couldn't identify my strengths and weaknesses as a writer. I have some vague ideas, but what I would really love is some input from those of you who have read stuff I've written.

So if you have a moment, and are so inclined, could you please share with me what you think my strengths and weaknesses as a writer are?

If you would prefer, email to [myusername] [at] livejournal [dot] com. Or share them anon. Whatever works.

I would really appreciate it. Anything that can help me improve (and perhaps even better my teensy chances of publication) would be awesome.

Comments

[hardboiledbaby]

Hmm, I know I enjoy reading your Riptide pieces. As I commented on the writing meme post, I think you have a very clear vision of the characters and the events in your stories, and convey that vision very clearly to your readers. I think another one of your strengths is your attitude and dedication to your writing as a craft.

milomaus made a good point about the difference between original and fan fic; creating a new 'verse is different from playing in an established one. But I've no doubt you can do it, and do it well.

So, probably not very constructive comments. But I really don't see any general weaknesses in your writing. I should be asking you this question. :)

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I know I enjoy reading your Riptide pieces. As I commented on the writing meme post, I think you have a very clear vision of the characters and the events in your stories, and convey that vision very clearly to your readers. I think another one of your strengths is your attitude and dedication to your writing as a craft.

Thank you so much! That's so helpful. I always cringe when I reread stuff because I'm so worried that people won't understand what I'm saying. And sometimes I have trouble trimming dialogue tags because I really want to make it obvious what the characters are thinking and feeling. *nodnod*

I love writing and only want to improve. :)

Milomaus made a good point about the difference between original and fan fic; creating a new 'verse is different from playing in an established one. But I've no doubt you can do it, and do it well.

Oh yeah, that is definitely an entirely different ball of wax. I'm hoping that I can pull it off.

So, probably not very constructive comments. But I really don't see any general weaknesses in your writing. I should be asking you this question. :)

They are definitely helpful and I appreciate it!

And you? I *love* your writing, how you put together such evocative and heartfelt prose. There's lyricism to it and there's such feeling! I always can feel quite clearly what the protagonists are feeling. You're a great writer and I think you rock, and the ability to write short, awesome stuff is not a common one at all. It takes more talent to do that, IMO. And you can do it so well!

[hardboiledbaby]

sometimes I have trouble trimming dialogue tags because I really want to make it obvious what the characters are thinking and feeling

Hee, I know the feeling! I vacillate between being too obvious or too obscure, so my readers either go "duh!" or "huh?" :D Personally, I don't see you having a big problem with that in your finished product, but it's kinda nice to know you wrestle with that too. :)

I love writing and only want to improve. :)

I think wanting to improve, never being content to rest on one's past glories, is so very important, and what separates the true writer from the dabbler (not to be confused with a drabbler, who may be either *g*). Which is not to say a person can't scribble what they want, nor that a person should be constantly dissatisfied with their work, either. But a person who knows they just did a braindump and doesn't care to fix it in anyway to make it readable? They give fanfic writers a bad name.

I *love* your writing
Aw, thanks, babe! That's so sweet of you to say. I'm glad the emotions come through. :) I'd have to respectfully disagree with you about the short vs. long thing, though, at least for me. I have disproportionally more problems in longer stories--thank goodness for sharp-eyed betas who find them for me! I hope that crap:good stuff ratio goes down with more practice. Just means I need to write more, right? :D

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Hee, I know the feeling! I vacillate between being too obvious or too obscure, so my readers either go "duh!" or "huh?" :D Personally, I don't see you having a big problem with that in your finished product, but it's kinda nice to know you wrestle with that too. :)

Yeah, I totally wrestle with that, definitely. Sometimes I go too obscure, especially when I try to get a little artsy, lol!

Slash fic is an even bigger challenge--the male pronouns mean I have to use names more often, and it can be such a pain. *nodnod* I have a hellish time, sometimes, trying to make things clear.

I think wanting to improve, never being content to rest on one's past glories, is so very important, and what separates the true writer from the dabbler

Yes, and improvement is sooo important for the true writer! I think that if you don't work on yourself and your writing that you stagnate.

I'd have to respectfully disagree with you about the short vs. long thing, though, at least for me. I have disproportionally more problems in longer stories--thank goodness for sharp-eyed betas who find them for me!

Your drabbles are fantastic--regardless of how easy they are for you, they are so difficult to write well! Seriously! :) And yours are brilliant.